A legal case involving free Black people in Massachusetts - photo 1
A legal case involving free Black people in Massachusetts - photo 2
A legal case involving free Black people in Massachusetts - photo 3

A legal case involving free Black people in Massachusetts

Lot 313
19.10.2023 10:00UTC -05:00
Classic
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$ 6 048
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUSA, New York
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ID 1032971
Lot 313 | A legal case involving free Black people in Massachusetts
Estimate value
$ 2 000 – 3 000
John ADAMS (1735-1826). Two autograph endorsements signed ("John Adams") as attorney for the defendants, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, 1768.

Four pages, bifolium, 317 x 193mm (folds lightly toned, horizontal fold on second leaf mostly separated). Additionally signed by Jonathan Sewall (1729-1796).

Adams serves as defense counsel for three men accused of breaking a covenant concerning rights to an estate by a free Black woman. Adams offers two endorsements at the conclusion of a suit levied against Elisha Dunbar, Seth Dunbar, and John Kingman of Bridgewater who stood accused of breaking a 1767 agreement concerning a tract of land in Bridgewater, Massachusetts that was owned by Phoebe Sackee, "a Free Negro Woman," who had recently died. The suit was brought by Thomas Nickels, "a Free Negro Man of Natick," who was the administrator (and named heir) of the late Phoebe Sackee's estate (who also signs the final page, just below Adams's second signature). She had inherited most of her real property from her father Scipio Sackee and in her will requested that Nickels (described as a "mulatto man") be granted the same land, totaling 41 1/2 acres. The legal proceedings appear to question whether Scipio Sackee was indeed free and thus questioning whether Phoebe had free and clear title. An arbitration panel of three gentleman, including James Humphrey, Samuel Dexter, and Norton Quincy confirmed her claim that Scipio was indeed a free person and found that Phoebe did have free and clear title. The present case appears to have stemmed from a dispute as to whether the settlement, in which the defendants were to pay legal costs, had been honored by all parties. Adams has added his endorsements to the fourth page beneath the attestation from Plymouth County deputy sheriff Isaac Larell that he had delivered summonses to the named individuals on 27 Febraury 1768.
Artist:John Adams (1735 - 1826)
Place of origin:USA
Auction house category:Letters, documents and manuscripts
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
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